Italy for 10 days..ROMANCE NEEDED! what cities?
Jul 6th, 2011, 06:12 PM
#21
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I agree with you Judy, but for first timers to Italy it's a good introduction I think. We ate most breakfasts and lunches on the land. I really enjoyed not having to haul my luggage all over the place on trains, etc. It just made everything more relaxed. It was very romantic watching us sail away from each port in the evening as well.. sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine.. not a bad way to end a great day on land.
Alot of cruises start in Venice and then end in Rome, or vice versa... with stops in Naples/Amalfi coast inbetween... For thier trip they could stay a few days before in Venice and then spend a few nights in Rome.
If the cruise is out then I would try to spend some time in the Amalfi area for sure though.. I don't think Sept. is as crowded since more people there take their vacations in August.
Alot of cruises start in Venice and then end in Rome, or vice versa... with stops in Naples/Amalfi coast inbetween... For thier trip they could stay a few days before in Venice and then spend a few nights in Rome.
If the cruise is out then I would try to spend some time in the Amalfi area for sure though.. I don't think Sept. is as crowded since more people there take their vacations in August.
Jul 7th, 2011, 06:48 AM
#22
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Sorry.. I am not a cruise person. My parents and family love them and I did have a great time with my boys on one, so I am not trying to dis them but they are not for us. I hate having to be on someone else's schedule. To talk about our preferences...we do enjoy less hustle and bustle. We live in Atlanta so we see a lot of it now. I am not a fan of large touristy crowds bumping into me but I do enjoy history too. So maybe I am Ok with a larger touristy Rome or Venice type city for a few days if I can mix it up with a slower pace coastal area? When and IF we ever go out here we enjoy pulling up to a bar in a little quaint downtown suburban area restaurant/cafe with a glass of wine (me) and beer (my hubby). We love sitting outside too and we LOVE to eat! I think I am a little hippie at heart. Love nature. Love good people. As far as eating, yes! Everything and we love to try new things.. My grandmother (no longer with us)is Italian (Calabria) maybe I get that from her or maybe I get that from my mom who only made "reservations" growing up. : ). I feel more torn then ever but overall its seems everyone has enjoyed where they have been so maybe I can take the "can't go wrong" idea. I am also going to look into these "off the beaten path" places. That may be more us. I LOVE NY (family there too)but I do not want that kinda adventure for this escape. Thanks again for these WONDERFUL replies!
Jul 7th, 2011, 10:22 AM
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Jul 7th, 2011, 10:39 AM
#25
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Too hard to choose!! Both are wonderful! Good luck! 
Rome can be as romantic as you make it.. and then again, so can Venice. Rome just has so many historical things to see.. but then again so does Venice..
Guess that means you will just have to go back so you can see both!! Hehe...
Rome can be as romantic as you make it.. and then again, so can Venice. Rome just has so many historical things to see.. but then again so does Venice..Guess that means you will just have to go back so you can see both!! Hehe...
Jul 7th, 2011, 10:48 AM
#26
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Here's why Venice: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...me-over-me.cfm
For the AC, avoid Positano; it's not your style, lots of upscale boutiques. Ravello is not on the coast; it's up in the hills with marvelous views but quieter than the towns on the water. Fewer busses though.
Otherwise, Amalfi or one of the smaller towns. Another thought is Capri; it should be quieting down in September.
But the AC is not an easy place to get to. Switching from plane to train/boat to bus might be such a hassle that it will cast a pall over your romantic vacation. If you fly into Naples and your budget allows it, get a driver to pick you up and take you to your hotel.
For the AC, avoid Positano; it's not your style, lots of upscale boutiques. Ravello is not on the coast; it's up in the hills with marvelous views but quieter than the towns on the water. Fewer busses though.
Otherwise, Amalfi or one of the smaller towns. Another thought is Capri; it should be quieting down in September.
But the AC is not an easy place to get to. Switching from plane to train/boat to bus might be such a hassle that it will cast a pall over your romantic vacation. If you fly into Naples and your budget allows it, get a driver to pick you up and take you to your hotel.
Jul 7th, 2011, 11:06 AM
#28
The simple answer is that it doesn't matter. AC, Rome, Florence or Venice are all wonderful, and are all romantic in their own way.
Personally, much as I love Rome and Florence, Venice has something about it that no other city in the world can match. It is stupidly expensive, has mediocre food (Well the stuff I could afford), unfriendly locals (if you even get to meet one) and to me, is almost "unItalian". Apart from all that, it is simply wonderful.
Personally, much as I love Rome and Florence, Venice has something about it that no other city in the world can match. It is stupidly expensive, has mediocre food (Well the stuff I could afford), unfriendly locals (if you even get to meet one) and to me, is almost "unItalian". Apart from all that, it is simply wonderful.
Jul 7th, 2011, 12:36 PM
#29
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Agree 100% with Zeppole's sentence above that transport (eg the Italian Eurostar train, Easy jet, etc) is quick and easy, which menas you should not limit yourself necessarily to either north or south.
Taje first class on the trains, or at least compare prices. Not much of a difference (price or appearance) from second class, but perhasp you'll feel more reoma ntic??
If it gives ideas, this what we just did:
Venice (a QUIET area, i.e. NOT Rialto, St Marco ,or Strada Nuova) wander and get lost on the quiet streets (we stayed in S Croce)
2. Stay on an agriturismo in Tuscany (Mt views, pool, peace and quiet)
3 Amalfi coast but NOT Positiano. Good God, it's a tourist magnet and streets were crowded and noisy. I;m American but something about all those loud American accents...didnt strike me as romantic. We stayed in Sorrento, which IS very busy but open LATE (which in itself to me is romantic) but has easy access to other places,and Sorrento has those gorgeous public terraces overlooking the water The views "around the corner" along the Amalfi coast are behyond jaw dropping--lockjaw guaranteed!! There are quieter areas along the AC mentioned on this forum--Praiano? up the mt in Ravello? Or HOtel Il NIdo just above Sorrento, with terrace and rooms overlooking the water from the mountainside.
But do leave time at a very peacerful quiet place in Tuscany. Many suggestion s on this board, and i just came from one place where you cold make a day trip easily to FLorence , if yo want--although i dont find Florence particularly romantic.
Or there are ideas (thanks, Zeppole) to go to off the beaten track areas, eg resorts on Sardinia, etc (on my "someday" list)
YO also dont give a price range--although with 4 kids in ten yrs, i am assuming it is NOT high end ??(Neither is my budget). Many of those sea view hotels are $300 plus per night--waaaaayy over what i can spend--so i dnt have first hand experience IN the rooms/
Taje first class on the trains, or at least compare prices. Not much of a difference (price or appearance) from second class, but perhasp you'll feel more reoma ntic??
If it gives ideas, this what we just did:
Venice (a QUIET area, i.e. NOT Rialto, St Marco ,or Strada Nuova) wander and get lost on the quiet streets (we stayed in S Croce)
2. Stay on an agriturismo in Tuscany (Mt views, pool, peace and quiet)
3 Amalfi coast but NOT Positiano. Good God, it's a tourist magnet and streets were crowded and noisy. I;m American but something about all those loud American accents...didnt strike me as romantic. We stayed in Sorrento, which IS very busy but open LATE (which in itself to me is romantic) but has easy access to other places,and Sorrento has those gorgeous public terraces overlooking the water The views "around the corner" along the Amalfi coast are behyond jaw dropping--lockjaw guaranteed!! There are quieter areas along the AC mentioned on this forum--Praiano? up the mt in Ravello? Or HOtel Il NIdo just above Sorrento, with terrace and rooms overlooking the water from the mountainside.
But do leave time at a very peacerful quiet place in Tuscany. Many suggestion s on this board, and i just came from one place where you cold make a day trip easily to FLorence , if yo want--although i dont find Florence particularly romantic.
Or there are ideas (thanks, Zeppole) to go to off the beaten track areas, eg resorts on Sardinia, etc (on my "someday" list)
YO also dont give a price range--although with 4 kids in ten yrs, i am assuming it is NOT high end ??(Neither is my budget). Many of those sea view hotels are $300 plus per night--waaaaayy over what i can spend--so i dnt have first hand experience IN the rooms/
Jul 7th, 2011, 12:45 PM
#30
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ps t answer your question Rome or Venice...for me, Venice ..as long as you are NOT staying right at Rialto /San marco
Alos,we took train from Venice to Florence (easy--2 hours) and Florence to naples--3 hours easy. From Naples, you can get private car to Sorrento *75 euros) or take the one hour long ridelocal train from Naples Station to Sorrento...unfortunately, even more logistical hassle to get beyond there.
Alos,we took train from Venice to Florence (easy--2 hours) and Florence to naples--3 hours easy. From Naples, you can get private car to Sorrento *75 euros) or take the one hour long ridelocal train from Naples Station to Sorrento...unfortunately, even more logistical hassle to get beyond there.
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:05 PM
#31
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Here is my suggestion. I would pick one destination in Italy and not try to hop from one place to another. You only have 10 days to relax, celebrate your 10 yr. anniversary, and forget about those 4 kids at home! LOL I suggest going to Lake Como as it truly looks so beautiful there. Here is a website for you w/ nice info on it:
http://goitaly.about.com/od/lakecomo.../lake_como.htm
I have a friend that just went to Lake Como last year and she showed me the pics she took - stunning scenery. Rent a nice place, buys lots of wine, relax and enjoy the views. You can make a few side trips from there.
If you are going to visit several places you won't truly be able to relax and enjoy your time together. You will have to change towns, hotels, etc. and I don't find that relaxing.
We cruise a lot and have seen most of the places you have suggested. While they are all nice, they are all very touristy and crowded.
Lake Como will be more relaxing and less crowded (at least according to my friend). You still have plenty of time to plan and have lots of ideas also. Good luck. I would suggest you also check out Trip Advisor and see what others have suggested on that website. You can also get a good idea about hotels, etc.
Happy 10th anniv in advance.
http://goitaly.about.com/od/lakecomo.../lake_como.htm
I have a friend that just went to Lake Como last year and she showed me the pics she took - stunning scenery. Rent a nice place, buys lots of wine, relax and enjoy the views. You can make a few side trips from there.
If you are going to visit several places you won't truly be able to relax and enjoy your time together. You will have to change towns, hotels, etc. and I don't find that relaxing.
We cruise a lot and have seen most of the places you have suggested. While they are all nice, they are all very touristy and crowded.
Lake Como will be more relaxing and less crowded (at least according to my friend). You still have plenty of time to plan and have lots of ideas also. Good luck. I would suggest you also check out Trip Advisor and see what others have suggested on that website. You can also get a good idea about hotels, etc.
Happy 10th anniv in advance.
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:25 PM
#32
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If Lake Como, consider Il Perlo Panorama with a terrace with an unbeatable view over the lake:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622914503405
http://www.ilperlo.com/en/photogallery-ilperlo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622914503405
http://www.ilperlo.com/en/photogallery-ilperlo
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:39 PM
#33
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Hi Nikidav,
I'm an italian, so my english is not so good!
I travelled in all the corners of my country and I've seen tons of foreigner turists: they always go in the same 4 or 5 places (Roma - Venezia - Firenze - Lago di Garda - Costiera amalfitana). They are wonderful places, I agree, but I think is not so relaxing visiting three or four big cities in 10 days. 10 days are not in half to visit the down town of Rome, particulary if you are a foreigner.
What I would do if I were in you? I would probably visit Venice (just two or three days, because I think that it's really a unique city in the world - and the first days of september the most important movies festival of Italy takes place there) and then I would go to Umbria (by train or by car), a region beside Tuscany, and I would spend there my last 6 or 7 days.
I'm an italian, so my english is not so good!
I travelled in all the corners of my country and I've seen tons of foreigner turists: they always go in the same 4 or 5 places (Roma - Venezia - Firenze - Lago di Garda - Costiera amalfitana). They are wonderful places, I agree, but I think is not so relaxing visiting three or four big cities in 10 days. 10 days are not in half to visit the down town of Rome, particulary if you are a foreigner.
What I would do if I were in you? I would probably visit Venice (just two or three days, because I think that it's really a unique city in the world - and the first days of september the most important movies festival of Italy takes place there) and then I would go to Umbria (by train or by car), a region beside Tuscany, and I would spend there my last 6 or 7 days.
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:41 PM
#34
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Budget..we are considering this our honeymoon since we never got one (our 1st son decided to pop on in there first). We are around $500-$700 a night give or take. Ya'll are killing me-lol! I was all set with Amalfi coast b/c I dropped out of my seat after seeing bobthenavigator's photos of Postitano but ya'll think it is too touristy? Also..Where in Tuscany would you recommend or other "smaller" towns with a good relaxed vibe?
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:54 PM
#35
Positano is definitely in the romance business. All your destinations are "touristy" -- that doesn't matter. Don't try for too much and pick the ones that appeal most. My recommendations would be Rome and Positano.
Jul 7th, 2011, 02:02 PM
#36
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You only have 10 days---add Rome and make it 2 destinations.
Here are some Positano options:
BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS ON THE AMALFI COAST
POSITANO: 3 STAR HOTELS---150 TO 250E FOR DOUBLE—AVERAGE 170E
1. www.villarosapositano.it Popular B&B with great views—lots of steps
2. www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it Small hotel near above—great terrace
3. www.casalbertina.it Fabulous views but you will need good legs
4. www.villalatartana.it Good value, lower in town but still good views
5. www.larosadeiventi.net Good centro location and decent value
POSITANO: 4 STAR HOTELS---200 TO 350E FOR TYPICAL DOUBLE
6. www.bucadibacco.it On the beach—nice hotel and great food
7. www.hotelposeidonpositano.it Hard to beat in this price range
8. www.puntaregina.com Terrific views
9. www.palazzomurat.it Good centro location—historic site
AMALFI , PRAIANO, RAVELLO:
1. http://www.hotelfloridiana.it/index.asp Good value in the heart of Amalfi
2. http://www.lesirene.com/rooms.htm Budget choice, with views, in Praiano
3. http://www.villamaria.it/ Lovely 4 star in Ravello with terrific food
4. http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/en/index Your splurge option near Amalfi
Here are some Positano options:
BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS ON THE AMALFI COAST
POSITANO: 3 STAR HOTELS---150 TO 250E FOR DOUBLE—AVERAGE 170E
1. www.villarosapositano.it Popular B&B with great views—lots of steps
2. www.hotelcaliforniapositano.it Small hotel near above—great terrace
3. www.casalbertina.it Fabulous views but you will need good legs
4. www.villalatartana.it Good value, lower in town but still good views
5. www.larosadeiventi.net Good centro location and decent value
POSITANO: 4 STAR HOTELS---200 TO 350E FOR TYPICAL DOUBLE
6. www.bucadibacco.it On the beach—nice hotel and great food
7. www.hotelposeidonpositano.it Hard to beat in this price range
8. www.puntaregina.com Terrific views
9. www.palazzomurat.it Good centro location—historic site
AMALFI , PRAIANO, RAVELLO:
1. http://www.hotelfloridiana.it/index.asp Good value in the heart of Amalfi
2. http://www.lesirene.com/rooms.htm Budget choice, with views, in Praiano
3. http://www.villamaria.it/ Lovely 4 star in Ravello with terrific food
4. http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/en/index Your splurge option near Amalfi
Jul 9th, 2011, 02:14 AM
#38
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Well,
Umbria is a small region with an handful of beautiful small cities that are settled in the Teverina Valley (Spoleto, Orvieto, Assisi, Spello, Norcia, Perugia, Narni, Gubbio). The distance between these cities is not more of 20-25 kilometers. This cities have an impressive architectural layout. Is the very hearth of Italy, wilder than Tuscany, but also much less touristic.
You have also a fantastic natural landscape (Marmore falls, Piana di Catelluccio, Val Nerina, Trasimeno lake).
But try to check in internet and judge yourself.
In any case good journey, and if you want more informations just ask!
ciao!
Umbria is a small region with an handful of beautiful small cities that are settled in the Teverina Valley (Spoleto, Orvieto, Assisi, Spello, Norcia, Perugia, Narni, Gubbio). The distance between these cities is not more of 20-25 kilometers. This cities have an impressive architectural layout. Is the very hearth of Italy, wilder than Tuscany, but also much less touristic.
You have also a fantastic natural landscape (Marmore falls, Piana di Catelluccio, Val Nerina, Trasimeno lake).
But try to check in internet and judge yourself.
In any case good journey, and if you want more informations just ask!
ciao!
Jul 9th, 2011, 06:11 AM
#39
ginovannelli, the english is very good and you are doing an excellent job of teaching us about Umbria, about which many people here, like me, would like to learn more.
Where, in your opinion, would be the best base/s for a stay of about 7 days in Umbria?
Where, in your opinion, would be the best base/s for a stay of about 7 days in Umbria?
